White collar crimes are non-violent offenses, but they are still punished harshly in Virginia. There are many criminal offenses that are considered white collar crimes. If you have been arrested for one of these crimes, you need to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to mount a strong defense for you.
Five Common White Collar Crimes
White collar offenses are committed in business, financial, and corporate settings. The goal of the crime is financial gain. In some cases, the evidence against a person can involve many complicated documents and financial records.
In Virginia, white collar crimes can be charged as misdemeanors and felonies, and the decision on how to charge it is often based on the value of the property involved in the crime. The punishment for a white collar crime will also often include restitution to the victim. Here are five white collar crimes that our skilled legal team can help you with.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is the fraudulent taking of money or property for financial gain when the accused was entrusted with it as part of a job. If the value of the property is $200 or less, it is charged as a misdemeanor. However, it is frequently charged as a felony with penalties of up to 20 years in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.
Money laundering
Money laundering involves using money that was illegally obtained, such as from drug dealing or business fraud, for legal purposes. If convicted of a felony, the penalties include up to 40 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $500,000.
Forgery
A person commits forgery by creating a false document or altering a real one with the goal of committing fraud. It is often charged as a Class 4 or 5 felony, and the punishment can include a prison sentence of one to ten years and a fine of up to $1,000.
Identity theft
Identity theft involves obtaining identifying information from someone in order to get access to their financial records, obtain loans in their name, take their real and personal property, and more. This is charged as a Class 5 felony and carries the same penalties as for forgery.
Bank fraud
Many crimes, such as writing a bad check, embezzlement, and real estate fraud, fall under the umbrella of bank fraud crimes. These offenses involve illegal actions used to take assets, money, or property from a financial institution or bank. The charges will depend on the facts surrounding the crime and the value of what was taken. In the most serious cases, the penalties can be up to 30 years in prison and up to a million-dollar fine.
Contact Us for the Criminal Defense You Need
If you have been charged with a white collar crime in Norfolk, you need a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer who can mount an aggressive defense for you. To get your questions answered and learn how we can defend you, call our office to schedule a free consultation today.
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